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Watsonville
January 12, 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites begins taking shape

The 112-room business, being built by Elite Development Inc. between Beach Road and Riverside Drive, has now reached the insulation, electrical and plumbing phase, said co-owner Juggy Tut. Barring any unexpected hurdles, Tut said he hopes to see the place up and running by the end of the year or in early January. Roof work is slated to be completed in December.

Dozens sound off on food trucks in community forum

watsonville food trucks city council
WATSONVILLE—Dozens attended Tuesday night’s Watsonville City Council meeting to rebuke reported complaints lodged to the City Manager’s office about mobile food vendors. This included about a half-dozen food truck operators gathered on one device that took turns grilling the City Council and staff holding the...

West Marine sold to equity fund

A New York-based equity fund will acquire West Marine, the company announced recently.

Hansen downtown apartment complex moves forward

the residence at 558 Main Watsonville
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Planning Commission at its first meeting of the year Monday recommended the City Council move forward with a mixed-use apartment complex in downtown. If approved, the proposed four-story, 50-unit apartment building at 558 Main St. would be nestled into the historic corridor near...

Local financial planner gives advice on managing money in 2020

WATSONVILLE—For many, the New Year feels like a fresh start. Resolutions are written and promises made to make big changes for the future. And most of these decisions—whether it’s traveling more or starting a membership at a local gym—have one thing in common: they all...

METRO pledges to improve safety

Santa Cruz METRO covid-19
SANTA CRUZ—In an effort to meet public transit safety standards set during the Covid-19 pandemic, officials at Santa Cruz METRO at a Wednesday press conference showcased the safety and precautionary measures they have put in place. Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold and METRO Board...

Store hands out 8,200 pounds of chicken to Second Harvest

second harvest food bank staff of life smart chicken
WATSONVILLE—Second Harvest Food Bank’s efforts to aid Pajaro flood victims received a boost Wednesday when Staff of Life Natural Foods and Smart Chicken donated more than four tons of chicken.  With the Smart Giving Program, Staff of Life Natural Foods and Smart Chicken donated over...

Watsonville Cyclery owner pushes public safety, involvement

WATSONVILLE—When Bike Santa Cruz County approached South County officials to start up a monthly community bike ride, Watsonville Cyclery owner Julian “Jules” Mandujano was eager to get involved. Every last Friday of the month, Mandujano offers up his business at 25 East 5th St. as...

Envision Fitness & Nutrition launches youth program

Envision Fitness & Nutrition Jóvenes Sanos
WATSONVILLE—A new program has launched at Envision Fitness & Nutrition in downtown Watsonville, aiming to support youth by teaching them about health, wellness, stress management and more. Envision opened in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. They began with virtual health and fitness classes,...

Capitola Olive Garden aims for Dec. 17 opening

Final touches are underway at the Olive Garden Italian Kitchen restaurant, the first such location for the chain business in Santa Cruz County.
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Teen arrested after chase

A routine traffic stop turned into a chase late Tuesday night that ended with the arrest of a 17-year-old suspected gang member and the...